This inspiring episode of Rounding with Patients features the stories of Anita and John. They both suffered heart attacks that brought on severe heart failure symptoms. But thanks to compassionate care from the experts at the Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth, they can look forward to many healthy years ahead.
Both patients worked with doctors at St. Elizabeth to address the damage to their hearts. They each received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). This mechanical pump, implanted in the chest, helps their weak hearts pump blood more effectively.
Q: Why did you choose St. Elizabeth Healthcare for your heart failure care?
John and Anita both chose St. Elizabeth for its great care and kind staff. When John felt unwell, he called his oldest son, a pharmacist at St. Elizabeth. He knew right away that St. Elizabeth was the best place for him.
Anita chose St. Elizabeth because everyone there, from doctors to nurses to therapists, treats patients with care and kindness. “They make you feel like family,” she says.
Lindsey Carroll, RN, BSN, ventricular assist device (VAD) program coordinator at St. Elizabeth Edgewood, says many patients choose the hospital because of its family-like atmosphere. “I’ve worked at other places, and it’s not the same,” she explains. “At St. Elizabeth, everyone feels like part of a healthcare family.”
Critical care nurse Casey Behne adds, “I’m grateful our patients trust us. This relationship is built on trust and teamwork.” Keeping the heart device working well requires dedication from both patients and the medical team.
Anita had a heart attack that brought on severe heart failure symptoms that prevented her from traveling and spending time with loved ones. She shares how her LVAD gave her a new lease on life.
John suffered a massive heart attack and had stents placed. Also, due to worsening heart symptoms, he decided to receive the LVAD. During the LVAD surgery, John had a stroke, which complicated and lengthened his recovery process. He shares how he kept a positive attitude throughout his journey.
“I am extremely grateful to St. Elizabeth Healthcare. The wonderful doctors, nurses and staff take care of all of us.”
Anita, LVAD Heart PatientQ: What was your heart failure experience like at St. Elizabeth?
John had a major heart attack in July 2023, and doctors put in stents to help his blood flow. But his heart still wasn’t doing well, and he had trouble walking up steps or through the grocery store.
“We started talking about other treatments,” John says. “My quality of life was poor, so I needed a change.” He chose to get an LVAD, but he had a stroke during surgery. However, since the surgery and recovery from the stroke, he feels great. “I’m very glad I did it,” he explains. Today, he participates in cardiac rehabilitation.
In May 2022, Anita woke up feeling strange, not realizing she was having a heart attack. “It felt like a severe asthma attack,” she says. When she went in for testing, her St. Elizabeth cardiologist determined she had a heart attack.
A few months later, Anita had more heart problems. She was short of breath and slept a lot. She knew she needed to do something to feel better. Anita decided on an LVAD. “I’ve been doing well ever since,” Anita says. “After about six months, I was back to leading my life.”
Q: What are you most thankful for during your heart care experience?
Gratitude is the feeling John and Anita both shared. Not just for the medical intervention that saved and extended their lives but for the human connection they felt with their care teams.
“I love all of my providers,” says Anita. “They saved my life.” She explains how all her providers at St. Elizabeth took time to listen to her and understand her symptoms and their causes.
John describes his gratitude to the heart & vascular team in a simple way. “I’m most thankful for the experience because I’m alive,” he says. John says he’s also thankful for the options, the attention to detail and the caring space his care team provided during this process.
“I’m most thankful for the experience because I’m alive.”
John, LVAD Heart PatientThe future looks bright.
After their procedures, Anita and John look forward to spending more time with family and friends. “It’s amazing what the LVAD does for people. It gives them a future to look forward to,” Behne says.
